NASA Douglas C-47

[Eric Mc]

After my foray into racing cars (Airfix Ferrari 250LM), it's back to an aviation/space theme again.

I decided to build this kit as it combines both of my current favourite topics - classic aircraft and space/aircraft research.

The NACA and NASA used a number of DC-3 variants over the decades for all sorts of tasks. NASA 817 was one of the last they used and was employed for a variety of duties - most often as a general "hack" aeroplane operating between the various NASA centres. NASA even used DC-3s to tow early lifting bodies into the air, although I'm not sure if 817 was used for this purpose. I do know it was often used during the X-15 and lifting body programmes to drop off and collect recovery crews at the various lake bed strips in and around Edwards Air Force Base. It was retired by NASA in 1984.

I'm using the Italeri DC-3/C-47 kit although I think this one is actually the Esci version rather than Italeri's original moulds.

[iggie]

Looking forward to this! The NASA scheme will look fabulous

[Gregers]

Looking forward to this. I have the same sheet and the new Airfix Dak for doing this aircraft.

All the best.

Greg

[Eric Mc]

A dilemma I foresee will be how best to place the window cheat line decals over the passenger cabin windows. The cheatline decals are solid with no spaces for the window.

My current thinking is to insert the passenger cabin glazing as per the instructions
Mask the windows with rectangle of Tamiya tape
Assemble and paint the model
Remove the Tamiya tape
Place the window cheatlines directly over the windows and, after they have settled, carefully score around the window outlines with a sharp knife removing the unwanted section of decal thereby exposing the transparent windows.

[Old_Tonto]

Sounds like a plan Eric.

[Eric Mc]

I'll post up some progress pictures in the next day or so.

[Eric Mc]

Some progress pictures taken over the past couple of weeks -

The basic components as laid out on the sprues -





After some basic priming, the cabin windows inserted and masked.



The interior. Most of it isn't visible so there was no point in spending too much time trying to detail it to any great extent over and above what is supplied. I've put in some basic seat belts made from strips of masking tape.





The main construction now completed with some filling. I use De Luxe Putty which is great stuff. It's water soluble so you can put it on roughly and then, using a damp finger, it can be smoothed leaving little need for sanding.
I've started on boxing in the landing light recesses using thin plastic card.



Finally, for the moment, some components painted and a dark wash supplied. These will be put aside for later.





Getting close to the main painting stage.

[iggie]

Good start Eric, it looks a nice kit and well behaved too!

[Eric Mc]

I have the "other" Italeri mould to do and one of the new Airfix ones as well so it will be interesting to see how they stack up against each other. So far, I have enjoyed assembling this Esci version as it seems to go together without much fuss or bother.

[Eric Mc]

Finally got it finished yesterday afternoon.

It's not as perfect as I would have liked but it's nice to have one of NASA's workhorses in the collection now -

[Stuart]

That looks superb Eric!

[Old_Tonto]

What a stunner. Really well done.

[Eric Mc]

Thanks chaps.

It's actually all a bit too white for me really. the next DC-3 I do will be an RAF D-Day one, I think.

[vacant]

Cracking good job and a joy to see.

[Gregers]

What a beauty. I really want to get mine done now.

All the best.

Greg